The street-style, downtown cool, heat-resistant uniform is perfected by New Yorkers.
Jeans. Denim layers are all the rage on NYC streets, yet they’re not exactly the first staple item one would think of for hot weather. Denim short-shorts, men’s Bermuda-length “jorts,” and knee-length skirts in denim washes of ’90s blue are among the popular silhouettes.
In keeping with the theme of Paris Olympics fervor, New Yorkers are also gravitating toward vintage-inspired styles in their sportif wear to stay cool. The styles range from classic joggers with stripes or bright blue cycling shorts from the 1980s to Adidas jerseys and tops with a 1970s vibe.
Everything is grounded with flat shoes, including cowboy boots, performance sneakers, slide sandals, Birkenstocks, and Adidas Sambas. This includes everything from sporty matching sets to incredibly light shirts and shorts. Another popular style of short socks is the Gen Z style, which can be worn with dressier ballet flats or sneakers.
While light, breezy, flowery maxidresses are popular in resort areas like Italy, Greece, and the Hamptons, New Yorkers prefer more skin-baring styles with sleeveless and extremely short hemlines. However, a dash of tropical-inspired shirting gives metropolitan streets the appearance of a staycation.
In the city, sleeveless tops and classic tanks are the most popular unisex summertime looks. Boxer shorts are still the preferred “no pants look” from Brooklyn to Manhattan, and sports bras worn as tops are examples of the underwear-as-outerwear fad that is still going strong.
Totes and shoulder bags are convenient summer carryalls for accessories. Unstructured cotton tote bags with inspirational sayings from far and wide are a must-have for keeping cool at the beach and during park picnics.
